novelraw Chapter 72: Wanfu Garden
Chapter 72: Wanfu Garden
Chapter 72: Wanfu Garden
Madam Shen knew how much was left in the Shen family's hands. In the current state of the world, most of it was flashy but impractical, making it impossible to build a garden solely on their own.
However, the Shen family had the advantage of status, attracting many wealthy households to associate with them and nobles to befriend.
If the Shen family couldn't build it themselves, they could involve more people. With more people, it would form a massive interest group, and even a few prominent families with objections couldn't bring it down.
Nowadays, in these chaotic times, goods were generally scarce.
But it depended on one's status.
Wealthy families might lack medicinal herbs, but as for food...
Especially the powerful families originally in the northern lands, they were hoarding grain, unwilling to release it, and were still observing. Coercion was useless.
Timber, bricks, and tiles were not things that ordinary people could currently afford.
Even if the brothers Shen Qing and Shen Liu didn't build a garden, timber and tiles would be divided among the wealthy and noble families in various districts for their own expansions.Some prominent families lived day by day, with no confidence in the current world, content to enjoy themselves for the moment. Relying on the fact that the Zhao family, due to the situation, dared not kill them, they would rather bury uneaten rice in the ground than use it to help refugees. When bored, they would torment their servants at home.
The Zhao family was in a crucial period of expanding their influence and spreading their reputation, a sensitive time where a single move could affect everything.
Otherwise, Old Zhao would have already had a group of people executed.
Building a garden was also a good thing. If it could make the wealthy families willingly bring out their money and goods, then those two scoundrels from the Shen family would have, in a way, done a good deed!
Why did the Ren clan build a Buddhist temple? They had never heard of the Ren family being particularly devout before.
But building a temple could improve the mood of the wealthy families, encourage them to bring out their goods to support it, and even willingly offer incense and oil money daily. It could also provide employment for the populace and attract Buddhist-leaning factions from outside.
Xin Prefecture would not build a Buddhist temple, but building a garden solely for the amusement of the wealthy families would also suffice.
As Wen Gu suggested, they should start with the first phase of the project to test the waters.
Moreover, this matter would not consume the grain for the Zhao family's army, nor would it require mobilizing soldiers from within or outside the city.
Madam Shen sipped her tea, pondered for a moment, and said to the maid beside her, "Send those glazed tile decorations that recently arrived from the south to Shen Qing and Shen Liu."
Xianghui District.
The Shen family's clan relatives and some familiar friends all lived here.
Upon returning home, the Qingliu brothers immediately gathered their clan siblings, especially the wealthy ones, in the large study.
Currently, accommodation was limited, with only two large studies in the entire Shen family residence. One was used by their father, and the other was for common use by the clan. It was originally built to invite renowned scholars to teach, but later it was used for playing Pai Gow.
At this moment, Shen Qing pushed aside the usual playthings, cleared the table, and spread out the drawing paper.
Someone curious reached out to touch it but was slapped away by Shen Liu!
"Be careful! This drawing can smudge easily. Look at how you've dirtied this place!"
Shen Liu pointed to a spot he had touched earlier and shifted the blame.
The curious people who had gathered didn't pay attention at first and thought it was someone beside them who had dirtied the drawing.
"What kind of brush was used for this painting?" a calligraphy and painting enthusiast asked.
However, soon, their attention was captivated by the prospects described by the Qingliu brothers.
It sounded exciting, and creating it would be very prestigious.
But...
"Did Wen Gu really give us such a good opportunity so easily? Is he sure he's not tricking us?"
"Why bother? As long as we can confirm we'll benefit from it."
"That's true."
Even the supervision was handled by their side, allowing them to understand the real progress and preventing deception.
"What is this garden called?" someone asked.
Shen Qing flipped through a small stack of papers beside him. These were various notes written by Wen Gu during discussions in Jingxing District, including the naming issue.
"I asked Wen Gu. The names my cousin gave to those two districts before carried auspicious meanings."
Saying this, he presented the complete version for everyone to see—
Jingxing and Qingyun, gazing upwards with joy. Fu Bei Ji Chou, all affairs proceeding smoothly.
"I'm thinking of going along with my cousin's intentions," he said.
"What should we name it? Fuchou, Fushi, Wanshun, Wanfu?"
"Wanfu sounds good."
"It's too direct."
"Indeed, 'Respectfully wishing you ten thousand blessings and golden peace'—the intention is too obvious, too..." a young man who was currently studying said.
Shen Qing slammed the table, "That's it! It's called Wanfu! The Wanfu from 'Ten Thousand Blessings and Golden Peace'!"
They wanted this kind of directness!
Their intentions should be known to everyone!
Just then, a follower came in to inform Shen Qing of a piece of news: Wen Gu had sent Chang Shun to the Zhao residence.
To prevent Wen Gu from lodging a complaint, they had people monitoring Jingxing District.
Now that no quarrel had broken out and they were still getting along, why would he go there? Could it be that he was still going to complain?
As they were guessing, they heard that Madam Shen had also sent someone over.
Several people in the large study reflexively covered their buttocks.
However, this time it was not for punishment.
After waiting for a while, they received a batch of precious jewels and ornaments bestowed by their Aunt Madam Shen. It turned out Wen Gu had spoken well of them to their aunt.
"Wen Gu is a person worth associating with, loyal and righteous!"
"Aunt should know about this matter now. Does this mean Aunt doesn't object?"
Those who were hesitant struck their hands, "This is something we can do!"
Finally, they could do something to prove themselves!
Everyone eagerly rubbed their hands.
At this time, Shen Qing's follower came again:
"Young Master, there's another matter. The person watching Zhaohui District reported that Zhao Mu went to Qingyun District today, reportedly possibly for that Taoist priest skilled in alchemy."
Shen Qing's face showed displeasure.
Wen Gu had previously told them that he needed that Taoist priest to refine some things so that Wanfu Garden could be completed as soon as possible and become unique in Xin Prefecture!
But from what the follower said, it was clear that those people from the Zhao family's collateral branches were trying to poach their talent!
Shen Liu, impatient, kicked over a stool in front of him.
"Trying to poach from us? Zhaohui District is going too far!"
That evening.
The news was relayed through He Da to Jingxing District—
The young masters from Xianghui District (Shen) and Zhaohui District (Zhao) had started fighting again.
Wen Gu: Beneficial to Jingxing District.
...
The conflict between those two districts was common. As long as it didn't blow up, it was just a small interlude.
The Shen family had more important matters to attend to now and didn't get entangled further with the Zhao collateral branches.
They moved quickly. Since they had decided to build a garden to gain prestige, they immediately began recruiting people!
Those who were on good terms with the Shen family and those who sought their patronage offered grain and manpower.
Those who were bored and had money but were unwilling to use it to help refugees, or give it to the Zhao family?They had already paid tribute, and they wouldn't get anything for free now.
However, apart from these, participating in the construction of the garden for profit did spark some interest.
Especially after seeing the drawings presented by the Shen brothers, which included blueprints and plans, indicating they were serious about it, it was indeed tempting.
Of course, there were also arrogant wealthy families and nobles who looked down upon it. They had seen prosperity before, and now their attitude was passive. They didn't believe the Shen family could accomplish anything significant and were even less willing to lend their craftsmen.
They were unwilling to give up the good things they held in their hands, but they couldn't make the situation too tense. They offered symbolic gestures. They wouldn't provide food and supplies, only let a few surplus people from their households work as laborers, which also reduced their own food consumption.
Shen Qing recalled Wen Gu mentioning crystal. He had a friend who liked hydrous obsidian/crystal and went to inquire.
The Pei family, formerly nobles, had not fallen into decline upon arriving in Xin Prefecture.
The eldest young master of the Pei family was currently the Chief Officer of the Patrol Division and was deeply trusted.
The youngest young master of the Pei family, Pei Jing, was less than twenty years old. He had suffered a serious illness, making his constitution slightly weaker. He was relatively gentle and appeared scholarly.
Shen Qing, having met him only after arriving in Xin Prefecture City, thought of him when looking for people to join.
Pei Jing listened to Shen Qing's description of Wanfu Garden, playing with a crystal beast carving in his hand.
"Alright, count me in."
After thinking for a moment, Pei Jing added, "My family has also stored some timber and tiles. If you need them urgently, you can take them first."
The servant beside him seemed hesitant to speak but remained silent.
Shen Qing, overjoyed, didn't notice and exclaimed, "Good brother! By the way, do you have any skilled craftsmen around? Some fine work needs experienced hands to avoid ruining the materials."
Pei Jing thought for a moment. The craftsmen his family employed were skilled in polishing crystals, and it seemed they didn't have other special skills or secret recipes. He said, "It's a small matter. I'll have someone give you a list. However, we didn't bring many craftsmen originally, so they might not be of much help."
"Having them is enough. I'll find a few more people. Accumulating them will surely get the job done!"
After Shen Qing left, the servant beside him reminded Pei Jing, "Master seemed to mention yesterday that he wanted to use that timber and those tiles to build..."
Pei Jing's tone was firm, "I've already set some aside for him. The rest, let Shen Qing take it away, immediately!"
His father wanted to build a courtyard for his newly married concubine.
His elder brother worked hard as the Chief Officer of the Patrol Division, facing dangers outside for the sake of the family's honor and lineage. His sister-in-law was pregnant and lived in fear every day.
And the old man still had the mood to indulge in debauchery!
Build a courtyard?
Go build a chicken coop!
He then thought of what Shen Qing had mentioned earlier about a "food, drink, entertainment, and accommodation" integrated park, coupled with various novel facilities, making it unique in Xin Prefecture.
He didn't know if it was true, but it sounded interesting.
Since he had already invested, he would visit Jingxing District another day.
Yes, on the day his father returned, he would have his sister-in-law stay with relatives in the neighboring district for a few days. He himself would go to Jingxing District. With neither of them at home, his father could throw a tantrum however he pleased.
When his elder brother was home, the old man wouldn't dare to put on a bad face. His elder brother had a bad temper, and in these times, there was no one who would intervene even if a son killed his father.
Pei Jing regretted that his constitution was not as good as his elder brother's. He heard that Wen Gu was also a frail scholar, perhaps they could get along.
The people of the Shen family spread out to recruit participants, one bringing two, two bringing eight, and the number of people involved grew like a snowball.
Shen Liu visited Jingxing District again and told Wen Gu that they had almost gathered the necessary goods and craftsmen.
Wen Gu was surprised.
So quickly? It hadn't even been three days!
These people were truly wealthy!
This showed that in times like these, it was precisely when they should extort money from the rich!
Shen Liu also told Wen Gu about the conflict with Zhao Mu's group:
"You speak well of us, and we appreciate it. We'll also help teach those who tried to poach our talent a lesson."
"Did Uncle scold you?" Wen Gu asked.
"Uncle and my cousin are busy with important matters and don't bother with our minor scuffles. Aunt only lectured us a couple of times."
Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Madam Shen's scolding seemed like merely going through the motions.
"Are you really okay?"
"Really."
The Zhao family's secret attempt to poach talent had failed. Was this something to be proud of?
It was like the children of military officials deliberately picking a fight but losing.
Shameful!
(End of this chapter)